On August 14, GreenToronto hosted our very first AI Innovation Challenge focused on the environmental impacts of AI data centres. Students first received a short case presentation explaining what data centres are and how they can affect electricity use, water consumption, land, and local infrastructure.

The students were then divided into teams and challenged to create a realistic policy or solution that could reduce one of these environmental impacts while still allowing AI development to continue. Each group had 30 minutes to brainstorm and prepare a 5–7 minute presentation, which they then presented to the judges.

The challenge gave students hands-on experience with environmental problem-solving, policy thinking, teamwork, and public speaking, while encouraging them to develop their own solutions to a real and growing issue.